New Year's Eve in Dubai 2022-23

Written by Arpan Ghosh

New Year’s Eve is the biggest night of the year and Dubai knows how to celebrate the occasion in style. You can opt for a quiet, intimate dinner with a view of the fireworks on the far horizon or head to a grand New Year’s bash to count down the final seconds of 2023. Among the plethora of options that this city offers, these are perhaps the finest ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dubai.

 

8 Best Places For New Year Celebration In Dubai 2023

 
1. Burj Khalifa 2. Dubai Opera 3. Dubai Beach
4. Al Habtoor City 5. Bulgari Resort 6. Atlantis
7. Explore Expo 2020 8. Desert Safari

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa New Year Fireworks

Watching the spectacular fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa has become something of an annual tradition for Dubai’s partygoers. Last year, the world-famous tower tried something new with a stunning laser light show that left viewers dazzled. This year, however, it is a return to the familiar as the fireworks are back with a metaphorical (and undoubtedly literal) bang.

 

2. Head To The Dubai Opera For New Years Eve In Dubai

Dubai Opera New Year Gala

A short walk away from the Burj Khalifa, the magnificent Dubai Opera will be hosting its own New Year gala - the Black and White party. Showcasing the cleverness of its design, the main auditorium will be transformed into a party venue where guests can enjoy live music and a perfect view of the fireworks at midnight. If you would like to celebrate over dinner, then head over to signature restaurant Sean Connolly at the Dubai Opera for a 70's themed Roller Disco dinner featuring a host of seafood specialties and some classic favorites.

 

3. Nikki And La Mer Beach

Nikki And La Mer Beach New Year Party

For the past three months, Nikki Beach has been celebrating the four elements - water, earth, fire, and air - with special themed events. Air is the last element on the list and the theme for the resort’s New Year extravaganza. Guests are asked to wear white to represent the ethereal element as they participate in Dubai’s longest New Year party, lasting an impressive 14 hours.

​For a city that has a multitude of beaches, it is always hard to single out one for a festive occasion. But for new year’s eve, La Mer is the beach to be. Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the last sunset of 2021 against the backdrop of an orange-hue sky. You can also catch all the fireworks happening across the skyline of Dubai. A picture-perfect place for families with kids, there are plenty of curb-side cafes, shops, walls covered in graffiti art and play areas for kids. Since the weather is expected to be chilly, make your way to the beach early to enjoy the glorious sunset.

4. Habtoor City

Al Habtoor City New Year Feast

Located in the heart of Dubai and along the banks of the Dubai Canal, Al Habtoor City has become a hub of entertainment thanks to the presence of three world-class hotels. You can enjoy a walk along the Canal promenade, catch a stunning performance at La Perle and then head over to enjoy a sumptuous New Year’s feast. The Hilton Habtoor City will be offering a variety of dining options on the 31st of December while Habtoor Palace will have two specially themed dinners at its signature restaurants. You can have a New York-inspired meal at World Cut Steakhouse or a taste of Versailles at BQ French Kitchen & Bar.

 

5. Bulgari Resort

Bulgari Resorts New Year Gala

One of Dubai’s most vibrant new hospitality destinations will be hosting a gala celebration for New Year’s Eve. The marina promenade surrounding the resort will be the setting for live outdoor entertainment and cooking stations serving up high-quality Italian cuisine made with premium seasonal ingredients. Alternatively, you could enjoy a specially curated Japanese menu at Hoseki or a black-tie Italian dinner at Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, all while enjoying the fireworks at JBR and the Palm.

 

6. Visit Atlantis The Palm For New Year Events In Dubai

Atlantis New Year Fireworks

Along with the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah is another iconic New Year’s destination with an awe-inspiring fireworks display over the Atlantis. The Royal Gala is an unrivaled experience in the city, taking place on the beach outside the resort. A grand buffet including some of the most indulgent seafood dishes such as lobster, caviar, and sushi will be accompanied by live music and a party lasting until 3 am. Revelers will enjoy the most stunning views of the sea, the city skyline, and of course, the exceptional fireworks display.

7. Explore Expo 2020 On This New Year In Dubai

Explore Expo 2020 On This New Year In Dubai

What could be a better way to celebrate the new year than by visiting the grandest show on the planet? The Expo 2020 will be all geared up to welcome visitors on new year’s eve with a host of attractions. Get to the venue early, explore the numerous pavilions and marvel at the cultural, technological and futuristic exhibitions on display. Keep snacking up during the day and wait for midnight with the best of the world coming together for what would be an unforgettable new year’s party.

8. Desert Safari

Desert Safari

​Looking for something a bit out of the way? Then you can plan a desert camping or safari trip for New Year’s. Spend your day dune bashing and exploring the sands, then enjoy a traditional bedouin-style experience at night over a roaring fire, with belly dancing, plenty of grills, and various other activities. If you prefer your desert experience to be a bit more upscale, then there is the famous Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, which will have a grand New Year’s celebration that combines the local landscape with five-star trimmings.

Ring in the new year by going back to an old tradition. Camping out in the desert on New Year’s Eve is a unique experience and offers a nice respite from the lights and noise of the city. Desert safari operator Platinum Heritage lets you have your own picnic out on the sands complete with live entertainment and fireworks. Alternatively, you could camp out for the evening and head back into the city before the stroke of midnight.

What To Do On New Years Day In Dubai

Dubai is known for some of the biggest and most stylish New Year’s Eve celebrations across the world. From lavish five-star galas to vibrant beachfront parties and the famous Burj Khalifa fireworks, there is an experience to suit every taste. Here are some of the best ways you can welcome 2023 in Dubai.

​We are about to bid farewell to a rollercoaster of a year, and everyone has earned themselves a bit of a celebration at this point. You could opt for something low-key, spending time at home with loved ones. Or if you prefer something more grand, then Dubai has a plethora of options to brighten up your New Year’s Eve.
 

1. Celebrate New Year On The Waterfront 2. Go For A Cruise 3. Take To The Skies
4. Enjoy Dinner And A Show 5. See The Fireworks 6. Book a Stylish Staycation
7. Move to the Beat 8. Head to Global Village

1. Celebrate On The Waterfront

Celebrate On The Waterfront

When you’re in one of the world’s most famous coastal cities, why not spend New Year’s Eve by the water? Palm Jumeirah has its own vibrant fireworks show taking place at the Atlantis and is also home to the world’s largest fountain show (at The Pointe Mall). You also have the trio of La Mer, Al Seef, and Bluewaters Island, each of which offers a unique ambiance. They will be hosting festive markets, will have plenty of activities for children, and all of them have perfect views of the fireworks - La Mer and Al Seef look out over Downtown Dubai Community, while Bluewaters Island area is just across the water from the Palm.

2. Go For A Cruise

Go For A Cruise

Take your celebration to the high seas with a yacht cruise. Royal Yachts and Xclusive Yachts, two of the most well-known luxury yacht operators in the city, are offering a special New Year’s Eve Cruise with a DJ and a full hospitality package so you can have the complete party experience. Sailing off the coast of Dubai Marina, you will also be in an ideal position to see every firework display in the city, from the ones at the Atlantis and Jumeirah Beach Residence to Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa.

If you’d rather be on the water than beside it, then you can book yourself a dinner cruise or a yacht party. For those who want to enjoy a historic quarter of Dubai, there are cruises over the iconic Dubai Creek. If you would rather be amongst the glitz and glamour of the city’s luxury districts, then there are cruises and yacht rentals at the Dubai Marina. Both options give you some great food, a relaxed atmosphere and some very awe-inspiring views over the water.

3. Take To The Skies For New Year In Dubai

Take To The Skies For New Year In Dubai

Take in all of the New Year festivities from a different perspective this year by going airborne. You can book helicopter tours over the Palm and the Marina, where you will get to see the glittering city lights like never before. Or you can dive into the year head-on by booking a skydive over Palm Jumeirah, getting a breathtaking view of the festivities below you as you drop from the sky. It’s a bold way to end the year, and will undoubtedly be a more unique memory than just another New Year’s party.

4. Enjoy Dinner And A Show

Enjoy Dinner And A Show

That being said, there’s certainly nothing wrong with a New Year’s party or a lavish dinner. And in a gastronomic haven like Dubai, you have your pick of options. Whether it is in the heart of Downtown, on the beachfront, in the centre of Old Dubai or across one of the city’s expansive private residential communities, there is a grand dinner event to suit your tastes. You could enjoy a lavish multi-course menu, go for a casual sharing meal with friends, or simply enjoy some drinks and canapes. As long as you get to eat with some good company.

If you are looking for a quieter way to spend the evening, what could be better than a sumptuous New Year’s Eve dinner at one of Dubai’s finest restaurants? You could head over to the Palm where renowned restaurateur Massimo Bottura’s Torno Subito will be hosting a 1950’s themed gala dinner. Or travel further back in time with a Great Gatsby themed event at Cafe Nikki on Nikki Beach. Parisian-style bistro La Serre, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Japanese dining hotspots Nobu and Zuma are among the best options of the evening. But really, the choice is near endless.

5. See The Fireworks For New Year Celebration In Dubai

See The Fireworks For New Year Celebration In Dubai

New Year’s Eve and fireworks go hand in hand and Dubai gives you several options to watch the night sky light up. There is of course the fireworks display at Burj Khalifa, undoubtedly the New Year’s event of the city. Other famous landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah have their annual displays as well and adding to that lineup are Al Seef, La Mer and Bluewaters, and the magnificent Dubai Frame, which will be having a fireworks display for the first time.

Perhaps you are looking for something a bit simpler, though. The New Year doesn’t have to be a grand event as long as you can make it memorable in your own way, such as by spending time with friends and family at home. And the right home can give you an incredible view of the New Year’s fireworks, which you can enjoy from the comfort of your living room or terrace. Whether it’s a serviced residence in Dubai, a penthouse in the Marina, or a cozy family villa in Dubai Hills Estate, we can help you find the perfect home to make your New Year’s Eve special. Contact our private client advisory team today. We wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to working with you in 2023.

Fireworks Galore in Downtown

Fireworks Galore in Downtown

Dubai enjoys the reputation of displaying some of the most elaborate displays of fireworks around the world. As part of the tradition every year, Burj Khalifa - the most iconic landmark in Dubai, will be hosting stunning firework displays, lights and laser flash across the horizon of Downtown Dubai. Moreover, you can also experience the dancing fountain show situated in Dubai Mall that takes place at an interval of every 20 minutes. Entry to Dubai Mall and the Fountain is completely free.

Dubai Marina Fireworks

Dubai Marina Fireworks

Lined with skyscrapers and luxury yachts and views of the sea, Dubai Marina is one of the most stunning places to be on new year’s eve. There are various spots throughout the neighbourhood where you can catch a glimpse of the fireworks - the most popular being the promenade and the sidewalks along the canal. These are also great spots to take insta-worthy photos with your loved ones. Other than that, you can also opt to have a new year’s meal at one of the numerous luxury beachfront restaurants and bars.

Bird’s Eye View of Ain Dubai Fireworks

Bird’s Eye View of Ain Dubai Fireworks

Prepare yourself for views galore at Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel. Operational since October of 2022, the gigantic wheel provides stunning panoramic views of Dubai and its various landmarks. Located on Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai offers three experiences - observation cabins, social cabins and exclusive private cabins. Make sure you reserve your place in advance since a lot of people make bookings for the highly sought-after midnight spot.

6. Book a Stylish Staycation

Book a Stylish Staycation

Dubai has some of the best hotels and resorts in the world. From the Venetian-style, Caesars Palace at Bluewaters Island to the exclusive Waldorf Astoria on the Palm, these waterfront hotels epitomize luxury. Book yourself a retreat in one of the luxury beachfront hotels and bask in the sun on the beach during the afternoon and witness the fireworks light up the sky at night. Also, a lot of these places offer unique and truly scrumptious dining experiences on New Year’s eve, so make sure you indulge yourself in one of those scrumptious new year three-course meals.

7. Move to the Beat - New Year Parties In Dubai

Move to the Beat - New Year Parties In Dubai

Dubai has plenty of clubs and entertainment venues that let people shake a leg and grab a drink with the DJ on the floor. Our picks among the bunch include the rooftop lounge, Treehouse in Business Bay, and Zero Gravity at Marina. Treehouse’s Mediterranean vibes lets you sip on your favorite cocktails while serving up gorgeous views of the city. Zero Gravity on the other hand is a swanky, two-tier club sitting on a private beach and a huge glass-fronted swimming pool in Palm Jumeirah. Again, it is advisable to reserve a table in advance to avoid missing out on a lively new year’s bash.

Lounge Parties - New Year Eve Party Dubai

Lounge Parties - New Year Eve Party Dubai

Perhaps you would prefer to celebrate the New Year in style by dancing the night away. You have quite a few options there too, with popular venues such as WHITE Dubai, Zero Gravity, WET Deck and many more hosting their annual parties. You can even double up on the festivities at one of Dubai’s marvelous rooftop lounges, where you get to party and enjoy a direct view of the fireworks across the city. Atelier M at Pier 7, The Penthouse at Five Palm Jumeirah, Luna at the Four Seasons DIFC, Buddha Bar at Grosvenor House, and Treehouse at Taj Dubai are some of our top picks.

8. Head to Global Village

Head to Global Village

The Global Village is perhaps Dubai’s most dynamic and multicultural attraction; featuring uncountable stalls, carousel rides, stunt shows, and more. For new year’s eve, the venue will host fireworks on a grand scale. The unique aspect here is that the fireworks start in the evening and continue all the way to midnight - mirroring new year’s eve in all the countries exhibited at the Village. It is advisable to reach the venue around 5 p.m, as the place can get congested with a deluge of people.

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